“P2 Collective is more than a salon”
As they move into a new premises on Camden Road we speak to Sam and Tom of P2 Collective barbers about their unprecedented growth and why they do things differently
So let’s start at the beginning, when did you launch your business in Tunbridge Wells?
We launched The P2 Collective in Tunbridge Wells in 2023. From day one, we wanted to create more than just a barbershop. We wanted a salon space that felt premium but also community-driven. Taking that leap of faith to open our own space was a big step, but Tunbridge Wells has been the perfect home for what we’re building.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background: how and why did you get into this sector?
We both came into the industry through different routes. Tom trained in a leading salon and really honed his craft before deciding to focus fully on men’s hair. Sam began as an apprentice barber in central Tunbridge Wells and worked his way up to managing a busy shop. We both realised we wanted to combine the polish and professionalism of a salon with the authenticity and community spirit of a barbershop. That’s really the DNA of P2.
How has the journey of running your business been so far?
It’s been an incredible ride. In a short space of time, we’ve grown a loyal client base, been finalists at the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards, and built a brand that already goes beyond hair. The launch of our run club and PACER brand, as well as our weekly football collective, have really cemented our vision of building community. The challenges? Honestly, doing a full shop refit ourselves while still working full-time in the salon has been intense. We haven’t had a proper day off in about 12 weeks but seeing it all come together has made the hard work worth it.
What key elements do you think make you stand out from your competitors?
We believe it’s the combination of things. We offer salon-quality service with the relaxed energy of a barbershop. We’re appointment-based, personal, and consistent – but we also care about building community. Both Sam and I are passionate about giving younger people a chance, regardless of background or experience. We started at the bottom and were fortunate to have some great mentors, which is why we’re passionate about our apprenticeship programme.
Also, our run club, PACER brand, merch, and football nights are all part of that. Clients don’t just come to us for a haircut – they come to be part of something bigger. That’s what makes us different.
Why did you move premises so quickly?
We just outgrew our old space. Demand grew so quickly, and we reached the point where we needed more chairs and more room to deliver the experience we want to give. The new space is six times the size of where we started, and we’ve doubled the amount of chairs. We’ve done the majority of the refit ourselves. It’s been tough, but we’ve poured everything back into the business to make this move possible.
And are you appointing more staff as a result?
Yes, absolutely. To match the new space, we’re bringing in more barbers and support staff. It’s really important to us that anyone who joins shares the right mindset and ethos.
We’re looking for people who not only have the skills, but also align with our values—people who are curious, collaborative, open to feedback, and committed to continuous growth because we’re not just building a team — we’re building a collective. Training and consistency will always be key, but we’re excited to grow the family.
And finally, what are you most excited about in terms of moving into your new premises?
The freedom to really design the client experience from start to finish. We’ve got more space, more chairs, and more opportunities to create a premium, welcoming atmosphere. It’s not just about scaling up — it’s about raising the standard and giving our clients the kind of space they deserve. We have the addition of a social hub, a comfortable area within the salon that people can use if they are having a hair cut on a working day or just need some time to check emails, have a coffee or regroup, For us, this feels like the next big chapter for P2.
What makes your business offering unique?
Just that The P2 Collective is more than a salon. It’s a community, a lifestyle, and a mindset. We’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we’re so grateful to our clients, friends, and supporters who have been part of the journey so far. This is just the beginning… we’re building something that we hope will inspire and connect people, whether they’re coming in for a haircut, joining a run, coming for a meal out, or turning up for Friday night football.
www.thep2collective.co.uk
